Why We All Feel Anxious.
Waking up with anxiety? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the work we need to finish, the people we need to meet, or the growing list of neglected chores, anxiety finds its way into our minds, promising that peace is just beyond the next task. It whispers that if only we could overcome this hurdle, we’d finally find serenity and security. But here’s the harsh truth: it’s not really about that one thing you’re worrying about. Anxiety runs deeper than any one deadline or awkward meeting.
If we’re being real, anxiety is just part of our wiring. It’s not about the day-to-day stuff; it’s about the fact that we, as humans, are fundamentally anxious beings. It’s always lurking in the background, simmering away while we focus on the little worries that distract us. But we know anxiety isn’t going anywhere. It’s not some passing phase. It’s part of the human experience, and yeah, it’s a pain in the arse.
We all fall for the same lie: that we’ll be calm once something happens. Maybe we think peace lies on some beach, seven time zones away, with warm water lapping at our feet and a cocktail in hand. Or maybe we think it’s when the house is spotless, or the job promotion finally comes through. Or even that magical someone who’ll make everything feel easy, as if they can solve all our problems by simply existing.
But eventually, we all come to know that none of these things will fix anxiety. Whether you’re lying on that beach, sitting in your perfect house, or falling into the arms of a lover—anxiety will still be there, kicking about, waiting to make its move.
And why? Because we’re vulnerable, fragile creatures. Our bodies are like complex, unpredictable machines. We don’t have nearly enough information to make most of the big decisions in life. We’re surrounded by media that stirs up envy and restlessness. And let’s not forget—we’re the descendants of humans who survived by being anxious. We carry the survival instincts of those who escaped predators and endured hardship. Anxiety, like it or not, is baked into who we are.
But here’s the game-changer: instead of trying to beat anxiety, it’s our task to accept it. Just because we’re axnious, doesn’t mean we’re doing life wrong. It doesn’t mean life has gone off the rails. It just means we’re human. There’s no point stressing about the fact that we’re stressed. The most important thing we can do is let go of the fantasy that we’ll ever live completely anxiety-free. That’s not happening.
It doesn’t mean we should stop chasing our goals. Go ahead, book the holiday, get the new job, fall in love—but do it knowing these things won’t cure anxiety. Do it because they bring something else to your life, not because they’ll bring permanent calm. And while we’re at it, let’s cut ourselves (and everyone else) some slack. You’re not the only one battling anxiety. We all are. Even the people who seem like they’ve got their shit together—they’re anxious, too. Trust us.
Sometimes, the best way to deal with anxiety is to laugh at it. Not the fake, awkward kind of laugh, but the proper, relieved laugh you get when you realise you’re not alone. When someone makes a joke that cuts right to the heart of what you’ve been privately agonising over, and suddenly, you feel a little less trapped.
And let’s not forget the importance of a good hug. Not the forced, “How are you?” hug, but the kind of hug that feels like you’re saying, “Yeah, this life is hard, and it’s messy, but I’m here with you in it.” Think Botticelli’s angels, wrapping their wings around us, offering comfort for the absolute chaos of earthly life.
We’re all in this anxiety boat together. We might be navigating it on our own, but we can still reach out, lock eyes with a fellow sailer and say in the kindest way possible, “I know.” We may not be able to escape anxiety, but at least we don’t have to face it alone.